33 Major League Players File for Free Agency

N E W  Y O R K, Oct. 31 -- Alex Rodriguez finally can start talking withother teams.

The All-Star shortstop, among 33 players who filed for freeagency Monday, said for more than a year that he didn’t want totalk money with the Seattle Mariners until after he became a freeagent.

“He just wants a club that is going to be consistentlycommitted to making the team competitive every year,” said the25-year-old shortstop’s agent, Scott Boras.

“He’s been to the playoffs three times as a Mariner. But thefact is, he just wants to be in a position where the club isreally, really committed, where he has a chance to go to springtraining every year and know his club has to win it all. He wantsto have repeat opportunities to win the world championship.”

The Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets arethought to be interested in Rodriguez.

Some have said the Yankees also might be interested in him, eventhough World Series MVP Derek Jeter is their shortstop. Followingtwo down years by Scott Brosius, the Yankees might be interested inan upgrade at third base.

“Hasn’t Brian Cashman said Alex Rodriguez is the best player inthe game?” Boras said. “I would say you wouldn’t move the bestplayer in the game [to third base], if that is what he is.”

Delgado Deal Ups the Ante

Before the World Series, Toronto signed Carlos Delgado to a $68million, four-year contract, a deal with a record average of $17million. Some have speculated Rodriguez, who hit .316 with 41homers and 132, could command an average of $20 million a year ormore.

“Alex and I spent a good week together last week,” Boras said.“We’ve kind of identified what his goals are. I don’t think we’re going to be visiting that many cities. We’re going to be visitingsome.

“Free agency has a lot of blind curves. The one place he knowsand is very comfortable with is Seattle, and they’re going to be amajor part of the process.”